Good Aftermarket Flash for E510?

[blackxfire]

Hi all,
Are there any good aftermarket flashes out there to use with the E510?
I want it to be able to work in all modes.

[Sushigaijin]

The fl36 or the fl36r are both good fits for the e510. They aren't huge and they aren't unbelievably powerful, but they get the job done and balance nicely. Since the E510 does not support wireless flash, the fl36r is actually more flash than you need - but you might like to have the wireless option should you upgrade your body someday...I think that ALL of the latest Olympus bodies support the wireless option.

[Atomic2]

I have a Metz 48, pretty great. The autofocus assist lamp is very weak and almost useless though. Pretty cool that you can update the firmware on it though.

And its pretty powerful, Its not priced too much above the FL36, but delivers almost as much as the FL50. Good battery life too, and fast recharge rate.

It was voted #1 photographers accessory by TIPA in 2008.

[blackxfire]

Thank guys! I meant something other than the fl36 and less expensive.
Stan

[Jaedon]

I have used the Vivitar 285HV extensively and have not had an issue on the 500,510 and 520.... and if you do need wireless capability the Cactus brand triggers/receivers are a fun to toy around with for the price point... but not good enough to use when you are getting serious about it.

[blackxfire]

Jaedon,
So you have used these in all the common modes and it has worked OK for you?
It lloks like you have to manually set the lense? Is that correct?
If I am pointing and shooting I want to be able to point and shot with auto zoom on the flash.
Stan

[Jaedon]

With the Vivitar it is all manual. There is no TTL capabilities. I have been experimenting with it a lot so I have reached the point where setting it up is almost automatic.... or requires very little thought at least.

As for zooming the flash it takes a half second to grab the lens on the front of the flash and snap it between normal, wide or zoom positioning.

[Sushigaijin]

If I am pointing and shooting I want to be able to point and shot with auto zoom on the flash.
Stan

Fl36 or Fl50. R or regular models. You really won't be happy with third-party models. The FL36 is very cheap.

[Atomic2]

Fl36 or Fl50. R or regular models. You really won't be happy with third-party models. The FL36 is very cheap.

Have you tried a Metz model? It does everything the Olympus models do. I think I paid 170 [used] for my Metz 48 which is FL36 money, but it has a guide number of 12 more meters, and a recharge rate thats SIGNIFICANTLY faster.

Downside is weight and autofocus assist lamp is not as strong.

[Sushigaijin]

Have you tried a Metz model? It does everything the Olympus models do. I think I paid 170 [used] for my Metz 48 which is FL36 money, but it has a guide number of 12 more meters, and a recharge rate thats SIGNIFICANTLY faster.

Downside is weight and autofocus assist lamp is not as strong.

Yes, good call. I don't know of any other third party flashes that work TTL with Olympus cameras.

Metz does have a few new flashes that will work on Oly bodies but I don't think they are out yet.

[blackxfire]

Thanks guys, I'll keep an eye on eBay for some reasonably priced Metz and Oly's.
Stan